The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pie Recipe: Ultimate Comfort Food

Ree Drummond, affectionately known as The Pioneer Woman, has been a household name for years, sharing heartwarming stories and, most importantly, mouthwatering recipes from her Oklahoma ranch. For many home cooks, myself included, her recipes are more than just instructions; they’re an invitation to create delicious, comforting meals that feel like home. Among her vast collection of culinary treasures, the Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pie recipe stands out as a true classic.

I’ve been a fan of Ree Drummond since her early blogging days, captivated by her tales of ranch life and drooling over her down-to-earth, flavorful food. Her first cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl, quickly became a kitchen staple for me, filled with recipes that consistently deliver. And if I had to pick a reigning champion from that book, it would undoubtedly be her Chicken Pot Pie.

This isn’t just any chicken pot pie; it’s a revelation. Before trying this recipe, I thought I simply “liked” chicken pot pie. Ree’s version redefined it for me. It’s the epitome of comfort food – rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Honestly, the filling is so good, I could eat it straight with a spoon! In my house, Chicken (or Turkey) Pot Pie, Pioneer Woman style, makes regular appearances, especially during the cooler months. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings. There’s nothing quite like a warm plate of Pioneer Woman Chicken Pot Pie on a chilly night.

Ree herself describes her recipes as “cowboy tested,” and while I don’t have any cowboys around, this recipe, like many others of hers, has made “The Pioneer Woman” a familiar and beloved name in my kitchen. Everyone here knows exactly who I’m talking about when I mention her. So, are you ready to experience this ultimate comfort food? Give the Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pie recipe a try and let me know what you think! And who knows, maybe it will inspire a road trip to The Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma! 😉

Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond smiling outdoors

What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pie So Special?

The magic of the Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pie lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s not overly complicated, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, yet it delivers a richness and comfort that’s hard to beat. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Rich and Creamy Filling: The filling is luxuriously creamy, thanks to the combination of butter, flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream. It’s seasoned perfectly with thyme, salt, and pepper, creating a savory base that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Flavorful Vegetables: The recipe uses a classic mirepoix of celery, carrots, and onions as the aromatic foundation, adding both flavor and texture to the pot pie. Frozen peas are stirred in for a touch of sweetness and color.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with tender cooked chicken or turkey, this pot pie is a complete meal in itself. It’s incredibly filling and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.
• “Cowboy Tested” Goodness: As Ree Drummond emphasizes, her recipes are designed to be hearty and satisfying, perfect for feeding hungry ranch hands – or anyone who appreciates a truly comforting meal. This pot pie embodies that spirit perfectly.
• Adaptable and Versatile: While this recipe is for chicken pot pie, it’s easily adaptable to use leftover turkey, making it a fantastic post-holiday meal option. You can also customize the vegetables to your liking.

Close up of Pioneer Woman Chicken Pot Pie ingredients: celery, carrots, onion, butter, peas, chicken, flour, broth, cream, thyme, salt, pepper, pie crust

Pioneer Woman Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

This recipe is adapted from Ree Drummond’s original Pioneer Woman Chicken Pot Pie recipe.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 3 stalks celery, finely diced
• 3 medium carrots, finely diced
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (like Tenderflake), or homemade pie crust

Equipment:

• Large pot or deep frying pan
• 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or casserole dish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Finely dice the celery, carrots, and onion. Consistent dicing ensures even cooking.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds flavor and softens the vegetables. Add the frozen peas during the last minute of sautéing.
4. Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken or turkey pieces and combine with the vegetables.
5. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetable and chicken mixture. Stir continuously to combine the flour and butter, creating a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. This step is crucial for thickening the pot pie filling. Cooking the roux slightly removes any raw flour taste.
6. Add Broth and Bouillon: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in the chicken bouillon cube. The bouillon enhances the chicken flavor and adds depth.
7. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the flour will thicken the broth, creating a creamy gravy.
8. Stir in Cream and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine. Cook for another 4 minutes over low heat, allowing the filling to thicken further and become luxuriously creamy. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Assemble the Pot Pie: Remove the pot from the heat. Pour the hot chicken mixture into a deep-dish pie pan or a small casserole dish.
10. Top with Pie Crust: Roll out one of the pie crusts to be about 1 inch larger than your pie dish. Carefully place the crust over the chicken filling. Cut small slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
11. Seal and Bake: Gently press the edges of the pie crust to the sides of the dish to seal it. Trim any excess crust.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The bubbly filling indicates that it’s heated through.
13. Cool and Serve: Let the chicken pot pie cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth. Enjoy!

Golden brown Pioneer Woman Chicken Pot Pie fresh out of the oven

Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Chicken Pot Pie

• Homemade or Store-Bought Crust: The recipe works beautifully with both homemade pie crust and store-bought refrigerated crusts like Tenderflake. For a quicker option, store-bought crust is perfectly acceptable. For an extra touch, homemade crust elevates the dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sautéing the vegetables in a large pot or deep frying pan ensures they cook evenly and don’t steam.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the filling before adding the pie crust and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
• Make Ahead: The chicken pot pie filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the unbaked pot pie and freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the baking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pie recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, and satisfies even the heartiest appetites. It’s:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Perfect for chilly evenings, potlucks, or anytime you crave a cozy, satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy filling and flaky crust.
• Easy to Make: While it tastes incredibly decadent, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to make.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of savory chicken, creamy gravy, and tender vegetables is simply irresistible.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly memorable meal. The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Pot Pie is waiting to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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